Floor display system with interactive features and variable image rotation

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system with variable image orientation. Embodiments may further relate to networked data distribution and management; interactivity; image-enhancing optics; controlled audio; a protective covering; an anti-slip feature; fragrance technology; theft prevention; deployment in a track-and-trench system; specialized positioning mechanisms; and lightweight, flexible implementations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of commonly owned application Ser.No. 11/735,908, filed Apr. 16, 2007, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,511,630 on Mar. 31, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 10/804,090, filed Mar. 19, 2004, now abandoned,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/457,115, filed Mar. 21, 2003 and of ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/460,353 filed Apr. 3, 2003, and which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/682,435, filed Oct. 10,2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,917,301 on Jul. 12, 2005, whichclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of Provisional Applicationsidentified as follows: application Ser. No. 60/418,626, filed Oct. 12,2002; application Ser. No. 60/428,387, filed Nov. 21, 2002; andapplication Ser. No. 60/429,044, filed Nov. 23, 2003; and is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/438,923, filed May 16,2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,649 on Jan. 3, 2006, whichclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/378,070, filed May 16, 2002, and is a continuation-in-partof application Ser. No. 10/285,639, filed Nov. 1, 2002, and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 6,873,266 on Mar. 29, 2005, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 10/137,357, filed May 3, 2002, and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,507,285 on Jan. 14, 2003, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/767,846, filed Jan. 24, 2001, and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,417,778 on Jul. 9, 2002, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/418,752, filed Oct. 15, 1999, and now abandoned,which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/304,051,filed May 4, 1999, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,876 on Apr. 24,2001. Application Ser. No. 10/682,435, filed Oct. 10, 2003, and issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 6,917,301 on Jul. 12, 2005, and application Ser. No.10/438,923, filed May 16, 2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,649 onJan. 3, 2006 are fully incorporated herein by reference, as well as allother above-identified applications. This application claims the benefitof the respective earlier filing date for application Ser. No.11/735,908, filed Apr. 16, 2007.

BACKGROUND

Advertising and other kinds of messaging are typically presented informs that use “vertical space”: that is, billboards, walls,ceiling-mounted displays, and the like. On the other hand, one kind ofspace that has great potential for advertising and messaging, but hasbeen largely overlooked, is floor space, which may be characterized as“horizontal space.”

There have been efforts to exploit floor space for advertising. Adhesive(i.e., “stick-on”) floor decals are known. Such decals may include acolorful image and convey some kind of advertising message, such as“Drink Coke”. Such an advertising medium is limited, however, by thefact that the message is static and not easily changed. On the otherhand, U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,778, which is fully incorporated herein byreference, a modifiable electronic display associated with a floor thatenables images and text to be easily changed, allowing an advertisingmessage to be quickly adaptable and efficiently targeted toward desiredcustomers.

However, there remain challenges to effectively and efficientlycommunicating to an audience by displayed visual advertising ormessaging on the floor or ground. Among these challenges is how toorient the content of a display for easy viewing and comprehension. Invertical space, by contrast, challenges relating to image orientationare not usually presented. For example, when a person views a computermonitor or television set, the image displayed is almost always “rightside up” from the perspective of the viewer, since people, for the mostpart, orient themselves with their feet on the ground and their heads inthe air. Thus, similarly, images in advertising and messaging invertical space are almost always right side up with respect to a viewer.

On the other hand, when an image is in horizontal space, problemsrelating to the orientation of the image may be presented. For example,an image that is on a floor and co-planar with the floor may beapproached or viewed from any number of different directions. Dependingon the direction of approach of a viewer, the image may be right sideup, upside down, sideways, or otherwise skewed in any direction from theperspective of the viewer. More specifically, suppose an image on thefloor is oriented to be easily seen and understood by viewers walkingnorth (e.g., right side up with respect to these viewers). This imagewill be upside down and therefore largely unintelligible to viewerswalking south. Similarly, suppose an image on the floor is oriented tobe right side up to viewers walking west—the same image will be upsidedown to viewers walking east.

Such considerations may be further complicated by observing howdifferences in language affect image presentation. For example, althoughEnglish text is read from left to right and top to bottom, in thatorder, in Asian languages such as Japanese, text is read from top tobottom in columns in a left-to-right progression of columns. In Israel,text is read from right to left.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention may address the above needs and achieveother advantages by providing apparatus and methods for displayingverbal and graphic messages.

In one embodiment of the invention, a floor display system includes anelectronic display device associated with a floor and in a planesubstantially parallel to a floor, where the electronic display deviceis configurable to display an electronically modifiable verbal messageand an electronically modifiable graphic message. The floor displaysystem may also include multiple electronic display devices. Some of themultiple electronic display devices may include a detection mechanism,such as a contact-less input device configured to receive identityinformation from an identity device, which may be a Bluetooth device ora contact-less local area network device. The electronic display devicesmay be adapted to track the movement of one or more identity devices. Adatabase may be connected to the electronic display devices and storeinformation detailing the movement of one or more identity devices. Twoor more electronic display devices may be connected to a network. Aserver computer, which is adapted to store information relevant to thefloor display system and may store control software that can remotelycontrol the operation of at least one electronic display device, may beconnected through the network to at least one electronic display devicethat can receive content, such as video and audio, from the servercomputer. The server computer may also be able to transmit image contentto at least one electronic display device.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method including placing anelectronic display device in a plane substantially parallel to a floorand in at least one of the following positions selected from the groupof: on the floor, coplanar with the floor, in the floor, partiallyrecessed in the floor, and recessed in the floor, where the electronicdisplay device is configurable to display an electronically modifiableverbal message and an electronically modifiable graphic message.

In another embodiment of the invention, a floor display system includesa plurality of electronic display devices associated with a floor and ina plane substantially parallel to a floor, where the plurality ofelectronic display devices are configurable to display an electronicallymodifiable verbal message and an electronically modifiable graphicmessage, where at least two of the electronic display devices areadapted to be connected to a network, and a computer at a centralcontrol location adapted to electronically communicate with at least twoof the electronic display devices through the network. Two or moreelectronic display devices may be adapted to be connected to differentlocal area networks and the computer may be adapted to electronicallycommunicate to at least one electronic display device through one localarea network and at least one electronic display device through a secondlocal area network. The computer may be adapted to transmit a first datato at least one of the electronic display devices on the first localarea network and may be adapted to transmit a second data to at leastone of the electronic display devices on the second local area network.Also, the computer may be adapted to transmit a third data to at leastone of the electronic display devices on the first local area networkand a fourth data to one of the electronic display devices on the secondlocal area network. The computer may be adapted to transmit a third datato at least one of the electronic display devices on the second localarea network. One or more of the electronic display devices on the firstlocal area network may be assigned a first unique identifier code andone or more electronic display devices on the first local area networkmay be assigned a second unique identifier code. One or more of theelectronic display devices on the first local area network may beassigned a first unique identifier code and one or more electronicdisplay devices on the second local area network may be assigned asecond unique identifier code.

In another embodiment of the invention, a floor display system includesan electronic display device in a plane substantially parallel to afloor and adapted to be placed in at least one of the positions selectedfrom the group of: on the floor, coplanar with the floor, in the floor,partially recessed in the floor, and recessed in the floor, where theelectronic display device is configurable to display an electronicallymodifiable verbal message and an electronically modifiable graphicmessage. The floor display system may include more than one electronicdisplay devices. The floor display system may be locally configurablewith selected content, such as one or more electronic display devicesadapted to wirelessly receive content and/or control software. One ormore electronic display devices may be adapted to be connected to anetwork and download different data from the network based, for example,on the physical location of the devices. An electronic display devicemay be adapted to electronically communicate with another electronicdisplay device connected to the network. Also, it may be adapted to beremotely configurable with selected content.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method for detecting acontact-less device using a floor display system includes placing atleast two electronic display devices in at least one plane substantiallyparallel to at least one floor, where the electronic display devices areassociated with the at least one floor and where the electronic displaydevices are configurable to display an electronically modifiable verbalmessage and an electronically modifiable graphic message, providing adetection mechanism configured to detect an indication associated with apresence or activity of a person, where the detection mechanismcomprises a contact-less input device configured to receive identityinformation from an identity device, detecting an indication associatedwith a presence or activity of a person, and receiving identityinformation from an identity device. One or more electronic displaydevices may be coupled to a network.

In another embodiment of the invention, a floor display system includesan electronic display device associated with a floor and in a planesubstantially parallel to a floor, where the electronic display deviceis coupled to a controller capable of generating an electronicallymodifiable verbal message and an electronically modifiable graphicmessage. The electronic display device may be wirelessly or wired to thecontroller. Also, the controller may be wirelessly or wired to anetwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D show a floor display system according to embodimentsof the present invention;

FIGS. 3, 4, 5A-5C, 6A-6B, and 7 illustrate variable image orientationaccording to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate various arrangements for configuring a floordisplay system according to embodiments of the present invention withselected content;

FIG. 9 shows various interactivity devices which may be associated witha floor display system according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9A shows a floor display system including a contactless mechanismfor obtaining identity information from an identity device, and alsorelates to other embodiments further described in the detaileddescription below;

FIG. 10 shows various interactivity devices which may be associated witha floor display system according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 shows a layer of material comprising a thin diffractive prismaccording to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a protective cover according to embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a protective sheet according to embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alarm system according to embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 16-18 show components and assembly of a floor display systemaccording to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A-19D show a track-and-trench system according to embodiments ofthe present invention; and

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrate a positioning mechanism system according toembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display systemwith, among other features, variable image orientation. Morespecifically, an image displayed by the floor display system may beoriented and/or reoriented depending on the perspective of viewers, inorder to make the image more easily seen and understood. To orientand/or re-orient the image, the image may be rotated or otherwise movedor shifted.

The floor display system may be arranged in a public place, such as acommercial establishment or other public building, and be configured todisplay electronically modifiable arbitrary content, such as advertisingor other informational content. In embodiments, the floor display systemmay be configured to detect an indication of the presence or activity ofa person in the vicinity, and upon detecting the indication, perform acorresponding action in response. For example, the floor display systemmay be arranged near shelving storing products for sale, and displayadvertising and promotional content relating to the products. Inaddition to variable image orientation, the floor display system mayinclude the features of: networked data distribution and management;interactivity; image-enhancing optics; controlled audio; a protectivecovering; an anti-slip feature; fragrance technology; theft prevention;deployment in a track-and-trench system; specialized positioningmechanisms; and lightweight, flexible implementations. These and otheraspects of embodiments of the present invention are discussed in moredetail below.

As noted above, U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,778 discloses a system forelectronically conveying information via a floor display. Morespecifically, the floor display may incorporate a modifiable electronicdisplay surface presenting for example, a liquid crystal display. Thedisplay could be connected to a computer and a computer generated imagecould be displayed on the display. Thus, the image displayed on thedisplay could be modified by generating a different computer image anddisplaying that computer image on the display. The display could beassociated with a base portion of a floor covering, such as includedwithin a recess thereof, or could be included on a bottom surface,facing upward, of an insert portion of the floor covering.Alternatively, the display could be integrally formed with either of thebase portion or the insert portion. The modifiable display could utilizea plurality of different graphics that can be displayed in any of avariety of manners on the display. For example, the graphics could bedisplayed in a generally fixed position on the display or could scrollacross the display, with both exemplary methodologies displayingmultiple graphics either individually or in combination.

Other alternatives for modifying graphics displayed on the floorcovering include using light emitting polymers to create, and thuschange, the graphics. The light emitting polymers can be either appliedto, attached to, or woven into the floor covering. The light emittingpolymers may be utilized on any portion of floor covering, for example,on either the base portion or the insert portion, or on any otherportion of the different embodiments for the floor covering. Lightemitting polymers are known and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,945,502,5,869,350, and 5,571,626, which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

Other options for a display are to use electronic ink or electric paper.Electric paper is available from Xerox and is described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854, and 4,143,103, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Electric paperemploys thousands of tiny, electrically charged beads, called Gyricon,each about the width of a human hair, to create pixels. The two-tonebeads are embedded inside a liquid-filled plastic sheeting that formsthe surface of the paper. Each bead, half-black, half-white, gyrates inresponse to an electric field. Whether the beads are black- orwhite-side up determines the image. Because there's no need to refreshthe image, and because the screen isn't backlit, electric paper usesonly a fraction of the power used by conventional electronic displays.Electromagnetic styluses and printer-like devices can be used forgetting images onto the paper.

Electronic ink is available from E Ink Corp., at 45 Spinelli Pl.,Cambridge, Mass. 02138. Electronic ink uses a microencapsulatedmicromechanical display system. Tiny microcapsules are captured betweentwo sheets of plastic to create pixels. Alternatively, the capsules maybe sprayed on a surface. The result is a flexible display material. Thetiny capsules are transparent and contain a mixture of dark ink andwhite paint chips. An electric charge is passed through the capsules.Depending on the electrostatic charge, the paint chips float at the topor rest on the bottom of each capsule. When the paint chips float at thetop, the surface appears white. When they rest at the bottom, and thusunder the ink, the surface appears black. Each of the two states isstable: black or white. A transparent electromagnetic grid laid over thesheet's surface controls the shape of the image. The display may bewirelessly connected to, for example, a computer and thus, the WorldWide Web by utilizing, for example, a Motorola paging system. Text onall displays, if multiple displays are used, can be changed at once by asingle editor, through a Web page.

According to embodiments of the present invention, additional oralternative technologies to those described above may be used toimplement a floor display system. “Floor” as used herein means floor,ground, or any surfaces thereof including concrete, asphalt, carpeting,wood, linoleum, tile, rubber, vinyl and the like. A floor display system100 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1. The floor display system 100 includes an electronic displaydevice 101 associated with a floor covering 102. More specifically, thedisplay device 101 may be at least partly connected to, supported by,received within or otherwise associated with the floor covering 102. Thefloor covering 102 and associated electronic display device 101 may takemany structural forms and be constructed from various types ofmaterials, and are not limited to the specific forms illustrated herein.In embodiments, the floor covering 102 and electronic display device 101are designed to be used in places where there is foot traffic or other(for example, wheeled shopping cart) traffic. Accordingly, the floorcovering and electronic display device may be sturdy and durable enoughthat they may be repeatedly stepped on, walked over, or have a wheeledshopping cart or other rolling or sliding object traverse them, withnegligible adverse effect on the floor covering and display device. Theelectronic display device may have, for example, a sturdy protectivecovering that is transparent or semi-transparent to allow the electronicdisplay device to be viewed therethrough, and that protects theelectronic display device from damage associated with foot or othertraffic, such as scratches, cracks, chips, tears, or damage caused byenvironmental dirt. The floor covering 102 may be affixed to a floor ormay be portable so that it can be easily moved to different places.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a top or plan view, and a side orthogonal orelevation view, respectively, of the floor covering 102. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the floor covering 102 could comprise at least oneinclined surface. More specifically, the floor covering 102 couldcomprise a plurality of inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214 and 215 thatslope downward and away from a top surface 200 (which could be thesurface of a protective covering of the display device 101, as describedabove) so that the entire perimeter of the floor covering presents aninclined surface to a person approaching the floor covering. Such astructure may make the floor covering easier to cross over, either by aperson walking over the floor covering, or by a wheeled shopping cart,for example, if the floor covering is placed in the aisles of acommercial establishment. According to embodiments, at least a portionof the display device 101 could be arranged to be co-planar with one ormore of the inclined surfaces of the floor covering. This could make adisplay of the display device easier to view for a person at a distancefrom or approaching the floor covering, since the display would beslightly elevated.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate that embodiments of the invention may furthercomprise a flexible or compressible border member 220. The border member220 may be arranged to abut edges of the inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214and 215. For example, as shown in cross-sectional view FIG. 2D, theborder member 220 may abut an edge 221 of inclined surface 215. Byproviding a yielding surface, the border member may cause a less abrupttransition from the floor to the floor covering 102 to be perceived by aperson traversing the floor covering. The border member could be madefrom material such as, by way of example only, metal, wood, plastic,natural rubber, silicon rubber, foam rubber, or urethanes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the electronic display device 101 associatedwith the floor covering 102 may be configured to electronically displaygraphical images and alphanumeric data in either a static (not moving orchanging) or dynamic (e.g., scrolling or otherwise moving or changing)format. More specifically, the electronic display device 101 may becoupled by wired or wireless means to a controller 103 and modifiablevia the controller 103 to display any content chosen by a user. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic display device 101 may becoupled to the controller 103 via a display driver circuit such as avideo graphics adapter card 105. The controller 103 may include any kindof electronic logic circuit, for example, a general microprocessorconfigurable with software, or an ASIC (application specific integratedcircuit). The driver 105 of the electronic display device may beintegrated with the controller 103 or built into an ASIC. The controllermay also be in the form of a single board computer with a processor andmemory and with one or more display driving circuits built onto theboard, as well as wireless components for communicating with the outsideworld or for loading data into memory.

The controller may be coupled to a storage medium 104, which could beany form of medium suitable for storing digital data, including RAM(random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), flash or othernon-volatile solid-state electronic storage, EEPROM (electronicallyerasable and programmable read only memory), or magnetic and/or opticaldisk storage. The storage medium 104 may store, for example, controlsoftware for execution by the controller 103 and video content of choicefor display, under the control of the control software, on theelectronic display 101. A user interface (not shown), such as a personalcomputer with a display monitor and keyboard, may be coupled to thecontroller to enable configuration of the controller with specific userinput, such as specific control programs to produce specific displaysand/or audio output. An audio device 111, such as a loudspeaker, mayfurther be coupled to the controller 103 via a sound card 110. The audiodevice 111 may output audio content of choice, stored in the storagemedium 104, under the control of the controller 103. Components of thefloor display system 100 may be powered by a power supply 114. Power maybe supplied to the floor display system by way of plugging into a poweroutlet in a wall through a cord, or through the use of batteries. Thebatteries used could be non-rechargeable or rechargeable. Other possiblemethods of delivering power to the floor display system include usingphotoelectric cells that convert ambient light into electricity that canbe stored in a battery or used to power the display system directly. Thephotoelectric cells could be contained, for example, in the floorcovering, or remotely connected to the display through a power cord. Thefloor display system may further comprise a sensing device 113 toprovide for a variety of interactive applications of the floor displaysystem, as described in more detail below. The sensing device 113 couldbe coupled to the controller 103 and provide signals thereto. Theconnection of the sensing device to the controller could be wired orwireless.

Data may be stored in the storage medium 104 using, for example, a dataport 106 coupled to a common system bus. The bus could be, by way ofexample only, a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The floor display system mayfurther comprise a wireless port 107 implemented, for example, using awireless WAN/LAN card. Through the wireless port 107, the floor displaysystem 100 may be coupled to and communicate with a network 125. Thenetwork could be any kind of network, including a wide area network(WAN) such as the Internet, or a local area network (LAN) including, forexample, other floor display systems. Through the network 125, the floordisplay system 100 may be coupled, for example, via a wirelesscommunication device 112, to a server computer 108 of the network. Theserver computer 108 may be coupled to a database 109. The database 109may store information relevant to operation of the floor display system100. For example, the database may contain video and audio content orcontrol software that is downloadable to the storage medium 104 of thefloor display system. Thus, the floor display system 100 may be remotelycontrollable. However, the floor display system 100 need not benetworked, and could be controlled locally by, for example, downloadingcontent and control software locally via data port 106. Also, whilewireless communication methods and systems are illustrated in FIG. 1,wired systems could also be used, or could be combined with wirelesssystems.

Display technologies that may be utilized in embodiments of the presentinvention, in addition to those described earlier, include: liquidcrystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organiclight-emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent (EL) displays, plasmadisplay panels (PDPs), field emission displays (FEDs) includingprintable field emitters, ferroelectric displays, polymeric lightemitting diodes (PLEDs), light emitting polymers (LEPs), electronicpaper, and light-emitting ceramic or other light-emitting inorganicmaterials. Other display technologies that may be utilized inembodiments include optical fiber technology, where a remote image isformed electronically and transmitted utilizing a light guiding sourceto fiber arrays or bundles. The remote image light source could beinternal or external to the floor covering. Other contemplated displaytechnologies include holographic displays. In this technique, either awhite-light or laser hologram may be generated either internally orexternally to the floor covering 102, and focused by a lens, possibly aFresnel lens, to make it visible to persons viewing the display 101 atan acute angle.

A wireless connection from a computer and/or network, such as the WorldWide Web, could be used to transmit image content to a floor displaysystem. Wireless connections between a computer or other processor, andcontrol electronics of floor display system, could be implemented inmany different technologies. One common technology today is wirelessEthernet, where one processor or computer communicates through an r-f orinfrared (IR) signal to another. However, a wireless communication linkcan be established through a number of technologies and networkprotocols.

Wireless links can be ultrasonic, optical lightwave (IR, visible,ultraviolet), lasercomm, radio frequency, teraHertz, microwave,electromagnetic, inductively coupled, electrostatic or any other form ofpropagating electromagnetic energy between the transmitter and receiver.In addition to Ethernet, network protocols can be token ring, Bluetoothmodem, cellular and PCS connections, or any other type of wireless LANor WAN. The mode of data transfer can include time division, frequencydivision, or code division, and can also be multiple access or spreadspectrum. One mode of wireless transmission that is well-suited forcontemplated applications of floor display systems is the Ultra-WideBand (UWB) mode of transmission. Contemplated commercial applications offloor display systems include use in electronically noisy environmentssuch as, by way of example only: grocery stores, department stores,appliance stores, industrial facilities, restaurants, hotels, airports,apartments and residential housing. Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) transmissionworks well in these types of environments, among other reasons becausewhen other electronically noisy sources such as machinery, remote dooropeners, bar-code readers, other r-f, TV, low-band transmissions arepresent, UWB allows high-speed data communications with low powerspectral density over a wide spectral range (typically 3-10 gigaHertz).UWB also eliminates small-scale fading for arbitrary antenna position ororientation, which may be very useful for a display positioned on thefloor. UWB also is more effective against the deleterious effects ofmultipath induced fading that is typical of more narrow-band wirelesstechniques.

Wireless communications may also include other techniques, either knowntoday or in the future, which may be useful in communicating with andcontrolling a floor display system. For example, the wirelesscommunications could be compatible with WiFi standards.

The electronic display device 101 is capable of displaying at leastalphanumeric data and graphic images. The content may includealphanumeric data alone, graphic images (e.g., pictures) alone, orcombinations of the two, either static, moving, or both static andmoving, in accordance with selected video content. Moving alphanumericdata and images may, for example, be scrolled. The alphanumeric data andgraphic images could be black and white or in full color. Further, thedisplay device 101 may include more than one distinct display: that is,the display area of the display device could be partitioned with respectto content. For example, the display area could include two or moredifferent “windows,” each displaying different content. Such apartitioning of displays is well known, for example, in “split-screen”TV and through the widespread use of various graphics softwareapplications, including the ubiquitous “Windows” software by Microsoft®.

Various digital video file formats could be used to generate images onthe electronic display device 101, including MPEG (Moving PictureExperts Group), DVD (digital versatile disc) or digital video disc, andFlash. Further, conventional video content used, for example, in networktelevision, could be converted into digital video content for display onan electronic display device 101 according to embodiments of the presentinvention. One such converting process involves taking conventional NTSC(National Television Systems Committee) video from a tape, and capturingit on a computer through a video capture card. An example of this typeof card is a Targa 2000 RTX board. Once captured, the video may becompressed into a file with a format that can be played by digitalequipment. The file could be saved in MPEG 1 or MPEG 2 format, forexample.

According to embodiments, components of the floor display system 100 asdescribed above could be housed completely internally to the floorcovering 102, completely externally to the floor covering 102, or somecomponents could be internal to the floor covering 102, while others areexternal.

Variable Image Orientation

FIG. 3 illustrates a floor display system with variable imageorientation according to embodiments of the present invention. “Image”means anything capable of visual representation, including pictures,designs, text, numbers, etc., either solely or in any combination, ineither static or dynamic formats or combinations thereof. In FIG. 3, afloor display system 100 is shown with versions 320, 335 of the sameimage, where each version is oriented for viewing from a respectivedifferent direction. More specifically, an image 335 may besubstantially “right side up” from a perspective of a first viewer,while image 320 may be substantially “upside down” from the perspectiveof the first viewer. On the other hand, from a perspective of a secondviewer, image 335 may be substantially “upside down” while image 320 maybe substantially “right side up.” In a floor display system as shown inFIG. 3, an electronic display device 101 of the system may include aplurality of separate display modules or panels 310, 315, 325, 330associated with a floor covering 102. Each panel may independentlyincorporate any of the display technologies described above. Two or morepanels may be configurable to display a composite image: for example,respective displays on panels 325 and 330 form a composite image 335.Moreover, each of the separate panels may be configurable to display animage independently. “Independently” in this context means not as partof a composite image. Further, each panel may be configurable to displayan image with a different orientation from an image on another panel.

In some applications it may be advantageous for the viewer to only seethe image from the individual panels directly in front of him. In suchapplications, certain standard LCD displays having a very shallowviewing angle may work well. That is, by appropriately orienting displaypanels 310, 315, 325, 330 incorporating such standard LCD technology, itmay be possible to cause a corresponding display to be substantiallyvisible when viewed from one direction, but substantially not visiblewhen viewed from another. For example, depending on the LCD technologyused, a viewer approaching or standing near an edge 327 of the panelsmay be able to clearly see an image on panels 310 and 315, but not beable to clearly see an image on panels 325 and 330. Similarly, a viewerapproaching or standing near an edge 329 of the panels may be able toclearly see an image on panels 325 and 330, but not be able to clearlysee an image on panels 310 and 315. Selectively orienting the panels inthis way may prevent a viewer approaching the floor display system fromseeing and therefore struggling to understand an image that would appearupside down or skewed to him.

FIG. 4 shows another possible application of a multi-panel display asdiscussed above. As shown in FIG. 4, each panel could be configured todisplay an image independently of the other panels (as opposed toforming a composite image using two or more panels). In the example ofFIG. 4, each panel 310, 315, 325, 330 shows a respective differentcomplete image 410, 415, 425, 430, where each image has an orientationdifferent from at least one of the other images. For example, therespective orientations of each image may be selected to be best suitedfor viewing from a respective different direction. Such a feature couldbe used, for example, to display different messages to peopleapproaching from respective different directions. Generally, embodimentsof the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be particularlyadvantageous when arranged in a location where people walk principallyin two mutually opposite directions, for example, in the aisle of agrocery store, at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, or inentrance/exit ways. It is noted that a multi-panel display according toembodiments of the present invention is not limited to four panels; moreor fewer panels are possible.

Further alternatives according to embodiments of the present inventionare illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the floordisplay system 100 could comprise an electronically rotatable andtranslatable (i.e., movable or shiftable) image 520. The floor displaysystem could further comprise a plurality of proximity detectors 530,540, 550, 560, for example, included in a sensing device 113. Based onsignals from the proximity detectors, the rotatable and translatableimage could be rotated and/or translated to a desired orientation forviewing by a viewer, based on criteria such as how close the viewer isto the floor display system.

More specifically, the proximity detectors 530, 540, 550, 560 could be,for example, mounted in, attached to, or otherwise associated with edgesof the floor covering 102. For example, the proximity detectors 530,540, 550, 560 could respectively be associated with the inclinedsurfaces 212, 213, 214 and 215 of the floor covering. The proximitydetectors could be used to determine an orientation of a given image 520at a given time, depending on the proximity of viewers. For example, theproximity detectors could be coupled to the controller 103 of the floordisplay system and send signals to the controller. Based on informationin the signals received from the proximity detectors, it could bedetermined by the controller that a first viewer 580 is closer to, say,proximity detector 550 than a second viewer 590 is to proximity detector540. The determination by the controller could be made, for example, byexecuting a suitable hardware and/or software algorithm. Under theconditions shown in FIG. 5A, for example, the controller could causeimage 520 to be rotated and/or translated so that it was right side upfrom the perspective of viewer 580. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.5B, it could be determined based on inputs from the proximity detectorsthat viewer 590 was closer to proximity detector 540 than viewer 580 wasto proximity detector 550. Under these conditions, image 520 could berotated and/or translated so that it was right side up from theperspective of viewer 590. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5C, it could bedetermined based on inputs from the proximity detectors that viewer 595was closer to proximity detector 530 than viewer 590 was to proximitydetector 540. Under these conditions, image 520 could be rotated and/ortranslated so that it was right side up from the perspective of viewer595.

Techniques are known for performing image rotation and/or translation asdescribed above. For example, many currently-available electronicdisplay drivers (such as video graphics adapter card 105) and electronicdisplay devices 101 support image rotation and/or translation withsoftware that is specifically designed for such operations. Based oninput signals from the proximity detectors, as noted earlier, acontroller 103 could execute decision software to implement, forexample, decision trees to decide which of a plurality of viewers isclosest to, and to which edge of, the floor display system. Thecontroller could then execute corresponding rotation and/or translationsoftware to rotate and/or translate a displayed image accordingly. It isnoted that image rotation and/or translation need not occur in 90-degreeincrements as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C; finer increments in rotation arepossible, down to fractions of a degree.

While image rotation and/or translation software is one possibility forimplementation, another possibility could be to store images in aplurality of different, fixed orientations, and to select a given imagefrom among the stored images for display depending on a proximitydecision. Moreover, proximity might not be the only basis for selectinga particular image orientation; other bases are possible. For example,the image might be configured to cycle through a plurality of differentorientations periodically. There could be a default orientation for theimage if no viewer is sufficiently near, or if a decision on proximitycannot be reached. Embodiments of the invention could further include a“screen-saver” mode, and either start or stop video output based on theproximity of persons.

Proximity detectors could be implemented in a variety of forms,inducing, for example: ultrasonic detectors, thermal detectors, motiondetectors, IR (infrared) range finders, electric eyes, cameras, chargecoupled devices (CCDs) or other imaging systems.

It is further noted that, as shown in FIG. 5A, an outline 577 isintended to represent either part of an electronically-generatedgraphic, or a actual physical edge of an electronic display device 101of the floor display system that has a substantially circular form, asopposed to a substantially square or rectangular form as shown inprevious figures. A substantially circular electronic display deviceaccording to embodiments of the present invention could be mechanicallyrotated to re-orient images based on signals from proximity sensors. Onthe other hand, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate electronic (e.g.,software-driven) image rotation and/or translation where the electronicdisplay device of the floor display system comprises multiple modules orpanels in a substantially square or rectangular configuration asdescribed earlier.

FIG. 7 illustrates that proximity detection need not necessarily beperformed by proximity detectors located in or on the floor covering102. Instead, for example, proximity detectors could be located in, on,or be otherwise associated with an object near the floor display system100. FIG. 7 shows proximity detectors 715, 720, and 730 located onshelving 710 adjacent a floor display system 100. Based on signalsreceived from proximity detectors 715, 720 and 730, a controller 103 ofthe floor display system could determine which of a plurality of viewerswas closest, and orient a rotatable/translatable image 720 accordingly.This determination could be made, for example, based on known distancesof respective detectors from the floor display system. Proximitydetectors could also be placed in ceilings or suspended from ceilings,for example on tracks.

Data Distribution and Management

It is contemplated that floor display systems according to embodimentsof the present invention may be deployed in many types of publicbuildings, including commercial establishments (e.g., markets, stores).In an individual building, there could be a plurality of floor displaysystems deployed. The plurality of floor display systems could be used,for example, to announce sales and prices, provide product descriptions,direct customers to specific locations within a commercialestablishment, and the like. Thus, it could be advantageous to controlfloor display systems, individually or in groups, to generate particularvideo/audio output based on their locations. More specifically, thevideo/audio content output by a given floor display system could, forexample, relate to nearby products, such as products on adjacentshelving. Accordingly, embodiments of present invention relate toconfiguring floor display systems to generate particular video/audiooutput, as described below.

Direct-link Download

Referring to FIG. 8A, a user may locally configure a floor displaysystem 100 by physically connecting a configuring device 800 such as ahand-held controller/storage device (CSD) to the floor display system100. The connection may be, e.g., via a direct link 801, such as a cablelink to, e.g., a data port 106 of the floor display system. The user maythen download selected video/audio content and/or control software fromthe device 800 into a storage medium 104 of the floor display system.What data is downloaded to a floor display system may depend, forexample, on where the floor display system is located, and thus whatcontent might be relevant. The video/audio content downloaded may bechanged by downloading new video/audio content by the same method.

Local Area Network (LAN) Download

Referring to FIG. 8B, a user may remotely configure a floor displaysystem, for example, as follows: the user may connect a device 800 to acomputer 108 (e.g., a network server; see FIG. 1) in a building; thisconnection could be implemented, for example, wirelessly via IRDA(Infrared Data Association), or via a wired USB link. The network sever108 may in turn be connected, by wired or wireless connections (e.g.,using a LAN 125 and Ethernet), to a plurality of floor display systems100 in the building. Video/audio content and/or control software maythen be downloaded from the device 800 to the network server 108, andfrom the network server, to each connected floor display system 100.Data downloaded to a first floor display system may be different fromdata that is downloaded to a second floor display system, depending, forexample, on the respective locations of the first and second floordisplay systems. The device 800 could be, for example, a CSD, a personalor laptop computer, or the like. Alternatively, the server 108 could belinked to a database 109 containing content and control software, and auser could direct the server 108 to download content and/or controlsoftware from the database 109 to the floor display systems.

Local Area Wireless Download

Referring to FIG. 8C, according to embodiments of the invention, a userneed not connect to a network server computer as described above.Instead, the user need only be in the vicinity of the plurality of floordisplay systems to be configured, and remotely configure the floordisplay systems wirelessly from as much as 100 feet away or more. Asshown in FIG. 8C, the user could, for example, have a device 800 such asa laptop computer or CSD equipped with a short-range wirelesstransmitter that can send a wireless signal 802 to communicate with eachfloor display system 100 in a commercial establishment via, for example,CDMA (code division multiple access) or other similar communicationprotocol. In this way, content and/or control software can be wirelesslydownloaded to each floor display system without going through a network.Alternatively, the same short-range wireless transmission could be usedto send data to a network server 108, which would then distribute thedata to each floor display system.

Wide Area Network (WAN) Download

Referring to FIG. 8D, according to embodiments of the invention, remotecommunication with and configuring of a plurality of floor displaysystems in multiple different buildings, such as commercialestablishments, is possible. This may be accomplished, for example, witha WAN (wide area network) configuration. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 8D, a central control location 803 may be linked via a wired orwireless connection to the Internet or some other wired or wireless(e.g., satellite) WAN 804 to a LAN 125 associated with eachestablishment. Each LAN 125 may in turn be linked by wire or wirelessmeans to a plurality of floor display systems 100 arranged in theestablishment. Video/audio content and/or control software may then bedownloaded from the central control location 803 to each LAN, which maythen transmit the video/audio content and/or control software to theplurality of floor display systems. Since, as discussed above, it may bedesirable to have respective floor display systems in the sameestablishment generate different video/audio output, each floor displaysystem could have a unique identifier code assigned to it. Thisidentifier code could be provided in a header of the digital datacorresponding to the video/audio content and/or control softwareintended for a particular floor display system. The header informationcould be used to ensure that each floor display system received the dataintended for it.

Satellite Network Download

As a variation of the WAN download technique described above, satellitenetwork download could be used where the wide area network is providedvia satellite constellation. Here, a satellite may broadcast datapoint-to-multi-point to receivers (e.g., dish receivers) in eachestablishment containing floor display systems. The data may then bedisseminated via LAN, e.g., to respective floor display systems.Satellite systems such as Motorola's Iridium, Hughes' Direct TV, andBoeing Digital Cinema have already demonstrated such capabilities.

Floor Display Linked to Point of Sale (POS) System

A floor display system 100 according to embodiments of the invention maybe linked to a POS (point of sale) system of an establishment. A POSsystem may be used to gather information about consumer preferences.Information about the effectiveness of specific advertising content ingenerating sales could be gathered, for example, by correlating sales ofa given item in an establishment with the timing of given contentdisplayed on a floor display system. This could be accomplished, forexample, by electronically cross-referencing sales transactions, at thetime they occur, with the scheduling of particular advertising fordisplay on a floor display system. To provide this schedulinginformation to the POS system, the floor display system could beconnected directly to computers or servers of the POS system.Alternatively, a server computer of a LAN, for instance, could controlthe scheduling of content on the various floor display systems of anestablishment, and provide the scheduling information to a server of thePOS system so that it could be correlated in “real time,” i.e.,contemporaneously, with sales transactions. Alternatively, thescheduling information could be correlated with sales records “offline”at a later time.

Interactivity

Embodiments of a floor display system according to the present inventionmay include interactive features, as discussed below.

Requesting Information

Embodiments of the present invention may include the capabilities ofasking consumers for information and recording the requestedinformation. An illustrative example is shown in FIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 9, a number of interactivity devices providing for interaction withpersons may be coupled, via wired or wireless connections (e.g.,Bluetooth), to a floor display system 100. The interactivity devices mayinclude, for example, a speech input device 900, such as a microphone, akeyboard or keypad 901 for entering alphanumeric data, a touch-sensitivedisplay screen 902, a card reader 903, a bar code scanner 905, and acoupon dispenser 907. Each of the devices may be arranged at acomfortable level for speaking or typing into, or otherwise handling.The floor display system 100 could include speech recognition softwarefor performing speech recognition processing of utterances directed by aperson into the speech input device 900. The floor display system mightfurther include pressure sensors 909 under a top surface of a displayarea of the floor display system. The pressure sensors 909 couldimplemented as, for example, thin-film contact switches. Each of theforegoing interactivity devices could be coupled to a controller 103 ofthe floor display system for sending signals to the controller. Thecontroller could be programmed to perform a desired function dependingon the signals received.

As discussed above, such as in FIG. 1, embodiments of the floor displaysystem according to the present invention provide for interactivity withpersons in the vicinity of the floor display system. In particular,sensing device 113 may take on a number of varying forms, each of whichenables the detection of phenomena or activities indicating the presenceof persons in the vicinity of the floor display system, and causes thefloor display system to perform some corresponding action in response.In one such embodiment, the sensing device 113 is a sound-sensingdevice. The sound-sensing device 113 may be located within the floorcovering 102, or may be located at some distance from the floorcovering. The sound-sensing device could be configured to detect anindividual as he or she approached the floor display system, and tocause a corresponding response to be generated by the floor displaysystem. For example, the sound-sensing device could be coupled via awired or wireless connection to the floor display system, and beconfigured to send a signal via the connection to the controller 103 toactivate the display device 101 upon the detection of sound wavesindicating the approach of a person. Upon receiving the signal,controller 103 could cause the display device 101 to generate apredetermined display of any desired content: for example, the displayedcontent could announce a sale, or advertise a product. The content couldrelate to products on nearby shelves.

The sound-sensing device could be adjustable to detect onlypredetermined frequencies of sound, and send an activation signal to thedisplay system in response thereto. More particularly, the sound-sensingdevice could be either an omni-directional or a directional microphonedepending up how noisy the general environment is. An omni-directionalmicrophone has a constant sensitivity regardless of the direction fromwhich sound is coming, and thus would be effective in a quietenvironment to detect someone approaching from any direction. Theomni-directional microphone could be implemented as one or more smallelectret microphones placed within or embedded in the floor covering.While electret microphones are one example, dynamic and condensermicrophones could also be used. Commercially available omni-directionalmicrophones include, by way of example only, Audio Technica MT830R, DPAType 4060, and MMC4041.

In noisy environments, or if there is a particular direction from whichthe approach of a person is to be detected, a directional microphone maybe preferable. A directional microphone is a microphone with awell-defined directional response, and is therefore better able than anomni-directional microphone to filter through sounds coming from aparticular direction, while blocking out random environmental noise.Examples of commercially available directional microphones that could beutilized include cardioid microphones, super cardioid microphones, andshotgun microphones. Examples of cardioid microphones include the DPA®Type 4021, the Earthworks® A30X, and the Shure® SM57. Examples ofsuper-cardioid microphones include the Peavey® PVM 480 and theElectrovoice® ND767A. Examples of shotgun microphones include theBeyerdynamic® MCE86 S.1, the Sennheizer® K6 ME-66, and the Shure® SM89.Depending upon how noisy the environment in which the microphone wasused, a microphone with greater directional sensitivity might yieldbetter results than a microphone with lesser directional sensitivity.For example, in a very noisy environment, a microphone with highdirectional sensitivity, such as a super-cardioid or shotgun could bepreferable.

In yet another embodiment providing for interactivity, the sensingdevice 113 may be a motion-detection device. The motion-detection device113 could be located within the floor covering 102, or may be located atsome distance from the floor covering, for example, in or on a ceilingor wall near the floor covering. The motion-detection device could beconfigured to detect an individual as he or she approached the floordisplay system, and to cause a corresponding response to be generated.For example, the motion-detection device could be coupled via a wired orwireless connection to the floor display system and be configured tosend a signal via the connection to activate the display device 101 uponthe detection of motion indicating the approach of a person. The displaydevice 101 could generate some desired display upon activation; thefloor display system could also generate corresponding audio output. Themotion detection device could be adjustable, so that it only detectsmotion that is within a certain area or perimeter around the display.The motion-detection device could also be directionally sensitive, sothat, for example, only customers entering an establishment wouldtrigger the motion-detection device and corresponding display.Motion-detection devices that could be used in association with thedisplay include, by way of example only, motion detection devices thatutilize IR technology, simple radar, or a light beam.

There are many different ways to implement a motion-detection device113, including using active motion detection and passive motiondetection. Active motion detection systems typically inject energy(e.g., light, microwaves or sound) into the environment, and then detecta change in the energy. For example, it is common for stores to have adevice that emits a beam of light that crosses a space near the entryway of the store, and a corresponding photosensor opposite the beam tomeasure an amount of incident light generated by the beam. When acustomer moves across the beam, thus interrupting it, the photosensordetects the change in the amount of incident light and may sound anaudible alarm, such as ringing a bell. A detection system of this kindcould be used to signal the floor display system that a person isapproaching. Similarly, many grocery stores have automatic door openersthat use a very simple form of radar to detect when someone passes nearthe door. Such systems may use an emitter/receiver device arranged abovethe door. The emitter portion sends out a burst of microwave radioenergy and waits for the reflected energy to bounce back and be detectedby the receiver portion. When a person moves into the field of microwaveenergy, it changes the amount of reflected energy or the time it takesfor the reflection to arrive at the receiver portion, and accordinglythe emitter/receiver device generates a signal that causes the door tobe automatically opened. A similar operation can be performed by usingultrasonic sound waves: i.e., bouncing them off a target and waiting forthe echo, and performing some predetermined action based on the echo.

Passive motion detection systems include systems that detect infraredenergy to detect motion. Such systems may include sensors known as PIR(Passive InfraRed) sensors or pyroelectric sensors. PIR or pyroelectricsensors may be used, for example, in security systems designed to besensitive to the temperature of a human being. Humans have a skintemperature of approximately 93 degrees F., and radiate infrared energywith a wavelength between 9 and 10 micrometers. Therefore the sensorsare typically sensitive in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers ofwavelength. The sensors are typically simple electronic components notunlike photosensors. The infrared energy radiated from a source bumpselectrons off a substrate of the PIR or pyroelectric sensors, and theseelectrons can be detected and amplified into an electrical signal thatmay be used to activate some predetermined operation. When a personwalks by a sensor, the amount of infrared energy in the “field of view”of the sensor changes rapidly and is easily detected. It is the suddenchange that is used to detect motion. PIR or pyroelectric sensor couldbe configured to have a wide or narrow field of view. A wide field ofview can be created, for example, by placing a lens over the sensor. Anarrow field of view can be achieved by using a sensor without a lens;the field of view can be made even more narrow by placing the sensor ina recess or inside a box or tube that is open in the direction fromwhich motion is desired to be detected. The floor display system of thepresent invention could use any of the above system and methods, orcombinations thereof, or systems and methods not disclosed herein, toimplement a motion-detection device 113.

The floor display system according to embodiments of the presentinvention may also be made interactive by detecting the presence ormovement of a person based on other events within the physicalenvironment. For example, the floor display system could be coupled viaa wired or wireless connection to a door in an entry way or other doorof a commercial establishment or other building. Through the connection,the floor display system could detect the opening of the door, andactivate the display in response.

In still further embodiments providing for interactivity, a floordisplay system in a commercial establishment could display informationcustomized to a particular individual. Such embodiments could comprisemechanisms for automatically determining a person's identity. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 9 a, a floor display system 100 according toembodiments of the invention could further comprise a contact-less inputdevice 401 capable of receiving identification information from anidentity device 402 carried by the person. The contact-less input device401 may be, for example, a wireless port comprising a receiver and anantenna configured to receive and process wireless electromagneticsignals containing identity information emitted by the identity device402. The identity information obtained from the identity device 402could be supplied by the wireless port 401 to the controller 103, whichcould then access a database, such as database 109, to obtaininformation relevant to the person based on the identity information.

The floor display system 100 and associated interactivity devices may bearranged, for example, in a convenient location in a commercialestablishment. The floor display system 100 could generate requests forinformation, either visually or audibly, to customers passing by. Thefloor display system could generate the requests when the proximity ofpersons was sensed by sensing device 113. In the requests forinformation, the floor display system could, for example, requestconsumer opinion regarding pricing, product specifications, productpreferences, coupons, or any other kind of desired information. Thefloor display system could prompt a customer to reply, for example, byspeaking into the speech input device 900, by keying in information onthe keyboard/keypad 901, by pressing certain fields in a display of thetouch-sensitive screen 902, by stepping on specified portions of thefloor display system to register responses via pressure on the pressuresensors 909, or by any combination of these.

The floor display system 100 could record customer responses in astorage medium such as storage medium 104. When enough responses hadbeen collected, the information could be downloaded and analyzed, forexample, by brand marketers to determine customer preferences.

The floor display system 100 could also be configured to respond, eitherby visual or audio output, to a request from a person, where the requestis made either by speaking or by entering data using any of theinteractivity devices described above (e.g., keyboard/keypad 901,touch-sensitive screen 902).

The card reader 903 could be used, for example, to obtain identityinformation from customers. Such identity information may include, butis not limited to: name, age, history of purchases, frequency of storevisits, most commonly purchased items, store credit amount, informationpertaining to a store discount, and the like. The identity informationcould be, for example, magnetically encoded on a card 904 readable bythe card reader 903. The card 904 could be, for example, a “smart” card.Smart cards (or electronic cards) are known devices that typicallycontain an embedded computer chip and are typically the size of aconventional credit or debit card. The chip typically contains amicroprocessor and memory, which may hold an operating system andapplication data that may be protected by state-of-the-art securityfeatures. Several types of smart card technologies are available intoday's marketplace. One example is a memory card. A memory cardcontains a memory chip and is similar to a small floppy disk. This typeof (memory) chip can store identity information as well as other kindsof information, such as a store credit amount. Based on the relevantinformation, the floor display system could be caused to displayinformation specifically relating to or directed to the person. By wayof example only, the display could include a personal greeting.Additionally, the controller of the floor display system couldcross-reference the purchase history of the person with the sales orpromotional items that are currently available in the commercialestablishment. Based on the person's purchase history, the floor displaysystem could display information notifying the person that a certainitem potentially of interest to the person is on sale, and display theaisle location of the item. In addition, the floor display system couldgenerate a coupon for the item, thus further encouraging the person topurchase the item.

In other embodiments, cards known as microprocessor cards could be usedto provide individual identification for purposes of customizeddisplays. Microprocessor cards contain a microprocessor chip that canadd, delete, change, and update information. A microprocessor card mayfurther comprise an input/output port, operating system and hard disk,and is thus viewed by many as essentially a miniature computer.

Identification cards such as the smart cards, memory cards andmicroprocessor cards described above need not be read by a contact-lessmechanism. Instead, for example, they could be read or scanned byphysical application of the card by a person to a reading device locatedin a convenient place in the commercial establishment. The readingdevice may be coupled to, or a component of, an identification system.The identification system could, for example, be implemented in acomputer 108 and database 109, coupled to the floor display system ofthe present invention. The identity information obtained by theidentification system could then be communicated to the floor displaysystem.

Some types of cards that specifically require physical application by aperson to a reading device could also be used with the floor displaysystem of the present invention. Such cards are known as “contact”cards. Contact cards may have a gold chip embedded in the card. Thiskind of card requires insertion into a smart card reader and a directconnection with the physical contact points on the card to transmitdata. Contact cards are used frequently in banking, communications,health care and loyalty (such as storing automotive service histories)applications.

Cards known as hybrid/twin cards could also be used to provideidentification of a person to a floor display system. These cards havetwo chips embedded in them: a contact-less chip and a contact chip. Thetwo chips are typically not connected to each other. Instead, typicallyone chip serves the consumer needs and the other the card issuer needs.In yet other embodiments, combination cards could be used. These cardsare also known as dual-interface cards, and they contain one chip thatis designed to support both contact and contact-less readers.

Using technology along the lines described above, further embodiments ofthe present invention could be configured to track movements of personsin a commercial establishment or other public place. In suchembodiments, persons could carry identification cards readable by acontact-less mechanism as described above. A plurality of floor displaysystems equipped with contact-less detection mechanisms could bearranged in predetermined locations in the establishment, and track themovements of persons by detecting the identification cards. The cardscould be personalized (i.e., identify an individual) as described above,or could be generic, and, for example, attached to a shopping cart orbasket. Information detailing the movements detected by the floordisplay systems could be recorded in a database, and used by merchantsto, for example, help optimize the layout of a store, help identifywhere to place impulse-buy items, and the like. Examples of technologiesthat may be utilized to track persons carrying or otherwise transportingcontact-less identification devices include Blue Tooth technology, IRDA,r-f link, or any other local area network technique to link the floordisplay systems.

As is well known, some commercial establishments (e.g., Wal-Mart andTarget) and do-it-yourself stores (e.g., Home Depot and Lowes) are verylarge and contain a vast amount of merchandise. As a result, someindividuals shopping in these stores have difficulty finding the item(s)they are looking for. Accordingly, floor display systems according toembodiments of the present invention may further provide for assisting aperson in finding his or her way around a large commercial establishmentand finding desired items.

According to such embodiments, upon entering the store, a shopper wouldeither orally (for example, by using a microphone or other soundrecording device) or manually (for example, using a keyboard, keypad, ortouch monitor type device) enter a desired product or list of productsinto a machine. The machine would then produce a “trip ticket”detectable by a plurality of floor display systems arranged inpredetermined locations throughout the store.

The trip ticket may be a device such as a “smart card” described above,capable of storing information such as the product list entered by theshopper. The information on the trip ticket may be readable via acontact-less technology as discussed in connection with variousembodiments described above. Floor display systems distributedthroughout the store may be equipped with contact-less technology forreading the trip tickets. As the shopper moves through the store andapproaches the various floor display systems, the systems may detect andread the trip ticket. Upon detecting a trip ticket and reading a productlist thereon, a floor display system may be configured to display thedirection the shopper should walk to locate the desired product(s).Alternatively, the trip ticket might not actually store the product listitself. Instead, the product list or other information corresponding toan identifiable trip ticket could be stored in a database accessible bythe floor display system, and retrieved upon detecting and identifyingthe trip ticket.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, detection ofmobile phones may be provided. Social frictions have been occasioned bythe increased use and rising popularity of mobile phones. In manysituations, it is considered inappropriate and impolite to have a mobilephone ring and disturb nearby persons. Accordingly, embodiments of thepresent invention may include a mobile-phone-detection device, using aconfiguration as shown in FIG. 9 a, where the contact-less input device401 is a mobile-phone-detection device. Devices that could be used todetect mobile phones include, for example, near-field RF detectors thatcan pick up a wide range of RF signals. Such devices are known, forexample, for detecting illegal listening devices or “bugs”. Onecommercially available example includes the MicroAlert™ system that iscapable of detecting the presence of a mobile phone or any deviceemitting RF radiation. The mobile-phone-detection device 401 could beconfigured to send a signal to the controller 103 of the floor displaysystem upon the detection of a mobile phone that was powered on. Inresponse to the signal, the controller could cause a display to begenerated comprising, for example, a message indicating that thepowered-on mobile phone had been detected, and/or sound an alarmindicating that the mobile phone had been detected. Additionally, thefloor display system could display a request that the mobile phone bepowered off, or sound an audible request that the mobile phone bepowered off.

The bar code scanner 905 could be used, for example, to enable acustomer to scan a coupon 906. In response, the floor display systemcould generate a visual and/or audio message concerning the coupon. Themessage might, for instance, inform the customer that the coupon isstill valid, or that it is worth double, or the like. The customer mightalso be enabled to scan a product at the bar code scanner 905, andreceive a coupon in response. A coupon 908 could be printed or otherwisegenerated, and dispensed by the coupon dispenser 907. The coupondispenser 907 could include a counter to count how many coupons aredispensed and for what products. This information could be recorded byand used by marketers, for example, to gauge consumer reaction toadvertisements, prices, and so on.

Displaying a Person's Camera Image

Embodiments of the present invention may include an interactivity deviceimplemented as a camera to capture a person's image and cause it to bedisplayed on a floor display system. An illustrative example is shown inFIG. 10. A camera 1000 may be mounted near a floor display system 100 ona floor 1050, for example, on shelving 1020. The camera 1000 may bepositioned so as to capture an image of a person 1030 walking orstanding near the floor display system. The person's image 1060 could,for example, be incorporated into an advertisement 1070 displayed on thefloor display system. The person's image could be displayed, forexample, as continuous motion video, or in a still image. A“frame-grabber” feature of the camera could be used to create a stillimage. The still image might be modified, for example, by image editingsoftware, to convey some entertaining message. For example, in theadvertisement 1070 of FIG. 10, a milk mustache could be superimposedonto the face of the person.

Optics

Techniques for enhancing visibility or a visual effect of a displayaccording to embodiments of the invention include the use of prisms.Diffractive or Fresnel prisms are known and are commercially available,for example, under the brand name Reflexite™. Such diffractive prismsmay be as thin as a few millimeters or even a fraction of a millimeter.According to embodiments of the present invention, a thin layer ofmaterial comprising a diffractive prism may be arranged over anelectronic display device of a floor display system. Placing such adiffractive prism over an electronic display device could enable acorresponding display to be more easily visible, particularly along aspecific direction. At the same time, because the prism material isthin, the floor display system could remain unobtrusive. FIG. 11illustrates arranging a layer of material 1100 comprising a thindiffractive prism over an electronic display device 101 of a floordisplay system 100.

Audio

Embodiments of the present invention may provide for carefullycontrolling the amount of sound generated by an audio device 111 of afloor display system, in particular, for example, with a view tominimizing disturbance to visitors of a commercial establishment orother public building containing a plurality of floor display systems.To this end, volume and bandwidth of sound output by the audio devicemay be controlled to limit how far the sound travels. For example, lowerfrequency sound waves (e.g., less than around 200 to 300 Hz) will travelfarther with less attenuation than sound waves at higher frequencies.Thus, embodiments of the invention may comprise control mechanisms, suchas controller 103 executing suitable software, for controlling audiooutput to include frequencies slightly higher than around 200 to 300 Hz,and for controlling amplitude so that the audio output is optimallyperceivable by a person within a predetermined range.

Embodiments may further include proximity detectors to provide signalsfor making determinations relating to what kind of audio output shouldbe generated. For example, the proximity detectors could detect when aperson was within a predetermined distance from a floor display system,and send corresponding signals to a controller of the floor displaysystem. Based on the signals received from the proximity detectors, thecontroller could start or stop audio output, control audio frequency andvolume, and the like. Controllers of respective floor display systemscould also be linked to a central computer, as described above inconnection with the various network configurations possible for floordisplay systems. The central computer could control the audio output ofrespective floor display systems to, for example, prevent floor displaysystems within a predetermined distance of each other from generatingaudio output simultaneously.

In embodiments, the audio device 111 could further include directionalspeakers, for example either incorporated into the floor covering orarranged nearby. The directional speakers could be pointed in adirection or directions in which it is expected that persons willapproach. Proximity detectors could detect what direction a person isapproaching from, and this information could be used by a controller tocause a corresponding directional speaker to generate audio output.

It should be understood in view of the above discussion of audiocontrol, and of the earlier discussion of variable image orientation,that embodiments of the present invention may provide for controllingvideo and/or audio output based on the proximity of persons. Morespecifically, based on the proximity of persons, a floor display systemaccording to embodiments of the present invention could start or stopeither video or audio output, and adjust image orientation and audiooutput characteristics, either separately or in combination.

Protective Covering

As described above, embodiments of the invention may comprise a sturdyprotective cover for the electronic display device. Furtherimplementation details, according to possible embodiments, for such aprotective cover are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 12A-12B.

As shown in FIG. 12A, a protective cover 1200 may comprise a strongtransparent member 1210, constructed from, by way of example only, glassor a rigid plastic. The protective cover may include a hard coating 1220over the transparent member 1210, where the coating 1220 is, forexample, a diamond-like coating, such as known hard dense carboncoatings that have mechanical properties similar to diamond, but are notas expensive. The coating 1220 could also be formed from or includeplastic or polymeric coatings, such as those used to coat plastic lensesthat are well known in the art. The protective cover may further includean anti-reflective coating 1230 over the hard coating 1220. Theanti-reflective coating 1230 may include, for example, multiple layer ororganic metal oxides or organic or polymeric coatings with various indexof refraction that reduce reflection as known in the lens coating art.Though not shown, in embodiments there could be an anti-reflectivecoating on a bottom surface 1205 of the transparent member 1210.Coatings as described in the preceding may reduce glare and resistscratching.

FIG. 12B shows an alternative embodiment where hard coating 1220 isomitted and only an anti-reflective coating 1230 is provided on a topsurface of the transparent member 1210. Again, though not shown, inembodiments there could also be an anti-reflective coating on a bottomsurface 1205 of the transparent member 1210.

Anti-slip

Embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a removabletransparent protective sheet. The removable transparent protective sheetmay include an anti-slip feature to help reduce the likelihood of aperson slipping when he/she steps on the floor display system, forexample due to moisture or wetness. Referring to FIG. 13A, the removabletransparent protective sheet 1300 may be arranged over the protectivecover 1200 described above. In addition to preventing damage to theprotective cover 1200 (e.g., soiling and scratching), the sheet 1300 mayhave a slip-resistant surface, where the resistance to slipping may beprovided by particles such as grit or sand on or incorporated into thesurface, by treads, apertures, or any other kind of discontinuity 1300.1in the surface, by water-absorbing and/or water-dissipating materials inthe sheet, or any other material properties of the sheet contributing toslip-resistance, an anti-slip coating on the surface, or any combinationof the foregoing. The sheet could cover the entire floor display system,including the electronic display device and the floor covering, or couldcover only portions thereof. Anti-slip material could be, for example,distributed across the floor display system in the form of strips.

As shown in FIG. 13B, embodiments could include a plurality ofprotective sheets in the form of a stack 1301, where sheets could beindividually removable. When a top sheet of the stack became soiled, itcould be removed and discarded to expose a fresh sheet below. Accordingto still further alternatives, an anti-slip protective sheet materialcould be in the form of a roll of continuous material 1302, where cleanmaterial is dispensed by, for example, a timing mechanism or adirt-detection mechanism.

Fragrance Technology

Embodiments of the present invention may comprise fragrance technology.For example, a stack of layered sheets with a scent or fragrance trappedbetween each sheet could be provided in a dispenser used in conjunctionwith a floor display system. For example, the stack of layered sheetscould be arranged in a dispenser provided on or near the floor displaysystem, for example on a stand. Alternatively, a layer of transparentscented sheets could be arranged over all or portions of a floor displaysystem, for example on the inclined surfaces of the floor covering. Sucha feature may be especially effective in the marketing of soaps,lotions, cosmetics, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, air freshenersand many other products that utilize scent or fragrance as a primaryfeature.

Referring to FIG. 14, in alternative embodiments, the floor displaysystem 100 could include an electromechanical fragrance dispenser 1400that releases a puff of fragrance on a periodic basis or in conjunctionwith a given advertisement. The dispenser 1400 could, for example, beconnected to, in or on the floor covering 102 or be otherwise associatedwith the floor display system. Such dispenser devices have beendeveloped using small piezoelectric actuators to create very small pumpsthat spray a small amount of a stored fragrance. Also, MEMs(Microelectronic Mechanical Systems) have been developed to doelectromechanical pumping of fluids.

Theft Prevention

Embodiments of the present invention may provide for theft prevention,as discussed below.

Alarm System

A floor display system according to embodiments may comprise an alarmsystem configured to be activated if the floor display system is movedwithout authorization. Referring to FIG. 15, the alarm system maycomprise an unauthorized-motion motion detection device 1500 able todetect whether the floor display system is moved. The device 1500 could,for example, be connected to, in or on the floor covering 102 or beotherwise associated with the floor display system 100. The device couldinclude, for example, an accelerometer or mercury switch coupled to thecontroller 103. Upon detecting a change in position of the floor displaysystem, the device could send a signal to the controller. The controllermight then make a determination as to whether an audible and/or visiblealarm should be generated. The alarm could include, for example,emitting a siren sound or the like, and/or causing a message such as“WARNING” or “THIEF” to flash on and off on the display device. A switchor software setting could be used to deactivate the alarm system so thatthe floor display system could be moved without the alarm beinggenerated.

Electrical Pulse

A floor display system according to alternative embodiments may comprisean alarm system including a device able to detect whether the floordisplay system is moved, as described above. However, alternatively orin addition to generating an alarm, the alarm system may be configuredto emit an electrical pulse if the floor display system is moved withoutauthorization. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 15, the floor displaysystem 100 could include an electrical pulse generator 1501. Theelectrical pulse generator could, for example, be connected to, in or onthe floor covering 102 or be otherwise associated with the floor displaysystem. The electrical pulse generator 1501 could generate an electricalpulse that may cause an unauthorized handler of the floor display systemto refrain from further handling of the floor display system. A switchor software setting could be used to deactivate the electrical pulsegenerator so that the floor display system could be moved without thepulse being generated.

Construction and Assembly

FIG. 16 illustrates details of possible implementations of embodimentsof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, a floor covering 102 ofthe floor display system 100 may comprise four electronic inverters1620,1630,1640, 1650 for providing power for driving a back light oneach of, for example, four LCD displays in a four-panel electronicdisplay device as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. Power may besupplied via cables 1660. A controller such as controller 103 might beconstructed to be small or thin enough to be held within the borders ofthe floor covering 102 when other components are added to form a morecomplete assembly, as discussed below.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the floor display system 100. A basecomponent 1710 may be configured to receive and support a wiringassembly 1720 comprising the four inverters 1620, 1630,1640, 1650 andcables 1660 as described above. A structure 1730 may be arranged overthe wiring assembly 1720; structure 1730 may be formed from plastic orother material and provide support for the inclined surfaces 212, 213,214, 215 described above. The structure 1730 may further be configuredto receive, for example in recesses formed therein, an electronicdisplay device 101 comprising four separate panels.

Sections of surfacing material 1750, such as carpet or rubber, may beplaced over structure 1730, to form inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214,215. A plate of tempered glass including support ribs 1770 may be usedas a protective covering 1200 for the electronic display device 101.Components of the floor display system may be held together, forexample, with adhesive, epoxy or mechanical fasteners. A plurality ofseparable protective sheets 1301 may be placed over the tempered glass1200. The protective sheets 1301 may include anti-slip features 1300.1.

While not shown, an audio device 110 could be included in theabove-described assembly. The audio device could be formed, for example,from thin profile speakers or piezoelectric speakers.

FIG. 18 shows assembled components of a floor display system 100according to embodiments, resting on a tiled floor 1820.

Heat generated by electronics of the floor display system could bemanaged by potting compounds known for such purposes. The electronicscould, for example, be potted and bonded to a thin metal plate thatwould act as a heat sink.

Embodiments of the present invention may further comprise waterproofingelements, to prevent moisture from, for example, foot traffic fromdamaging electronic components. Such waterproofing elements couldinclude, for example, potting compounds used as sealants in intersticeswhich could admit damaging moisture. For example, a potting compoundcould be used in spaces between the electronic display device and thefloor covering to block out moisture. A water-resistant substance suchas silicone could also be used for such a purpose. Further, for example,a water-resistant seal could be formed between a protective cover of theelectronic display device and other surfaces of the floor displaysystem. A sealant such as silicone could be used to form thewater-resistant seal.

Track-and-Trench System

Embodiments of the present invention may include a floor display systemimplemented as a “track-and-trench” system. The track-and-trench systemmay be configured to support the deployment of one or more electronicdisplay devices in a floor.

FIG. 19A shows an illustrative example. In FIG. 19A, a trench 1910 isformed in a floor 1905. A track 1915 is arranged within the trench.Shelving 1920 may be arranged adjacent to the track and trench.

The track 1915 may include elements for supplying electric power and fortransfer of electronic data. For example, electric power cabling anddata transfer cabling could be fastened to, or enclosed within, orotherwise associated with the track 1915. The power cabling and datatransfer cabling could include a plurality of connections for connectingelectronic devices thereto, in order for the devices to receive powerand/or data via the cabling.

FIG. 19B shows an electronic display device 1925 arranged in the trench1910. The electronic display device 1925 may be connected in some way tothe track 1915: for example, it could be hooked or snapped into thetrack 1915. The electronic display device 1925 may include any of thedisplay technologies and capabilities discussed above. Further, thoughnot shown in FIG. 19B, it should be understood that the electronicdisplay device 1925 may be associated with any of the devices discussedabove, including audio devices, sensing devices, interactivity devices,network devices, and so on. More specifically, for example, theelectronic display device may 1925 be coupled by wired or wireless meansto a controller such as controller 103, and modifiable via thecontroller to display any content chosen by a user as described above.The electronic display device 1925 and corresponding controller may beconnected to a power supply of the track 1915. The controller mayfurther be coupled to a storage medium such as storage medium 104. Datamay be stored in the storage medium using, for example, a data port suchas data port 106 coupled to a common bus. The data port could be coupledto the data transfer cabling of the track and receive content throughthe cabling for storage in the storage medium and display on theelectronic display device 1925 under the control of the controller.Thus, the electronic display device 1925 may be configurable to displayelectronically modifiable arbitrary content, support image rotationand/or translation, or otherwise include any of the capabilitiesdiscussed above in connection with an electronic display device.

As shown in FIG. 19C, space in the trench 1910 may be closed or coveredby fitted sections such as sections 1930. Such fitted sections could beused to close up space in the trench not filled by an electronic displaydevice 1925. Embodiments of the invention could further comprise aprotective covering 1935 for the electronic display device. Theprotective covering 1935 could be transparent in its entirety, or couldbe partly opaque and include a transparent window 1935.1 for viewing theelectronic display device.

FIG. 19D shows a cross-section along the line 19D-19D. Reference numbers1950 and 1955 correspond to a data cable and a power cable,respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 19D, embodiments of the inventionmay further comprise a riser 1960 to raise the electronic display device1925 to a desired level, and further for providing support, togetherwith the track 1915, for the protective covering 1935.

Advantages of embodiments including a track-and-trench system asdescribed above include that, because an electronic display device maybe placed below or substantially at floor level, there is no impedimentto foot or other traffic presented. Also, a shared power and data supplyvia a track may enable relatively economical implementations.

Positioning Mechanisms

Embodiments of the present invention may relate to a floor displaysystem including mechanisms for positioning an electronic display deviceassociated with a floor at a selected inclination for better viewing.FIGS. 20A-20C show an illustrative example, where FIG. 20B is anorthogonal side view corresponding to FIG. 20A. According toembodiments, an electronic display device 2000 may be resting on,hingedly fastened to, or otherwise associated with a floor 2015. Apositioning device 2020 may be coupled to the electronic display device2000 to position it at a predetermined angle theta relative to the floor2015. This may make the electronic display device easier to see from adistance. The positioning device 2020 may, for example, comprise aspring or other flexible or expandable mechanism. As shown in FIG. 20C,the positioning device 2020 may be compressible or retractable to allowthe electronic display device 2000 to be moved closer to the floor 2015by the pressure of, for example, a person's foot 2030. An advantage ofthe foregoing arrangement is that an area occupied by the electronicdisplay device may be used for foot or other traffic. It should beunderstood that, while not shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, the electronicdisplay device 2000 may include any of the display technologies andcapabilities discussed above, and be associated with any of the devicesdiscussed above. Thus, the electronic display device 2000 may beconfigurable to display electronically modifiable arbitrary content,support image rotation and/or translation, or otherwise include any ofthe capabilities discussed above in connection with an electronicdisplay device.

FIGS. 20D-20E illustrate an alternative embodiment, where FIG. 20D is anorthogonal side view corresponding to FIG. 20A. As shown in FIGS.20D-20E, two electronic display devices 2000, each individuallyconfigured as described with reference to FIGS. 20A-20C above, may bearranged back-to-back and share a common positioning device 2020.

Several embodiments of the present invention are specificallyillustrated and/or described herein. However, it will be appreciatedthat modifications and variations of the present invention are coveredby the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claimswithout departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

1. A floor display system, comprising: a floor covering on a floor, thefloor covering comprising an electronic display device in a planesubstantially parallel to the floor, wherein the electronic displaydevice is configurable to display an electronically modifiable verbalmessage and an electronically modifiable graphic message.
 2. The floordisplay system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of floor coverings,wherein at least two of the floor coverings comprise a detectionmechanism configured to detect an indication associated with a presenceor activity of a person, wherein the detection mechanism comprises acontact-less input device configured to receive identity informationfrom an identity device, and wherein at least two of the detectionmechanisms are adapted to track the movement of at least one identitydevice.
 3. The floor display system of claim 2, further comprising adatabase connected to at least two of the electronic display devices ofthe plurality of floor coverings and wherein information detailing themovement of the at least one identity device is recorded in thedatabase.
 4. The floor display system of claim 1, comprising a pluralityof floor coverings, wherein at least two of the floor coverings comprisea detection mechanism configured to detect an indication associated witha presence or activity of a person, wherein the detection mechanismcomprises a contact-less input device configured to receive identityinformation from an identity device, and wherein the identity device isa Bluetooth device.
 5. The floor display system of claim 1, comprising aplurality of floor coverings, wherein at least two of the floorcoverings comprise a detection mechanism configured to detect anindication associated with a presence or activity of a person, whereinthe detection mechanism comprises a contact-less input device configuredto receive identity information from an identity device, and wherein theidentity device is a contact-less local area network device.
 6. Thefloor display system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of floorcoverings, wherein at least two electronic display devices of theplurality of floor coverings are connected to a network.
 7. The floordisplay system of claim 6, wherein the floor display system furthercomprises a server computer connected to at least one of the electronicdisplay devices through the network, and wherein the server computer isadapted to store information relevant to operation of the floor displaysystem.
 8. The floor display system of claim 7, wherein the at least oneof the electronic display devices is adapted to receive content from theserver computer.
 9. The floor display system of claim 7, wherein theserver computer is further adapted to store control software adapted toremotely control the operation of at least one of the electronic displaydevices.
 10. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the electronicdisplay device is adapted to wirelessly receive at least one of contentand control software.
 11. The floor display system of claim 1, whereinthe floor is a stair step.
 12. The floor display system of claim 1,wherein the floor is a raised stage.
 13. The floor display system ofclaim 1, wherein the floor is part of an elevator.
 14. A floor displaysystem comprising: a floor covering on a floor, the floor coveringcomprising an electronic display device in a plane substantiallyparallel to the floor; a controller coupled to the electronic displaydevice, wherein the controller is configured to generate anelectronically modifiable verbal message and an electronicallymodifiable graphic message and wherein the electronic display device isconfigured to display the electronically modifiable verbal message andthe electronically modifiable graphic message generated by thecontroller.
 15. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein theelectronic display device is wirelessly coupled to the controller. 16.The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor is a stair step.17. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor is a raisedstage.
 18. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor ispart of an elevator.
 19. A method for detecting a contact-less deviceusing a floor display system comprising: placing at least two floorcoverings on at least one floor, each floor covering comprising anelectronic display device in a plane substantially parallel to the atleast one floor, wherein the electronic display devices are configurableto display an electronically modifiable verbal message and anelectronically modifiable graphic message; providing a detectionmechanism configured to detect the presence of an identity device,wherein the detection mechanism comprises a contact-less input deviceconfigured to receive identity information from the identity device;detecting the identity device; and receiving identity information fromthe identity device.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingcoupling at least one electronic display device to a network.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein placing at least two floor coverings on atleast one floor comprises placing the at least two electronic displaydevices in at least one plane substantially parallel to a stair step.22. The method of claim 19, wherein placing at least two floor coveringson at least one floor comprises placing the at least two electronicdisplay devices in at least one plane substantially parallel to a raisedstage.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein placing at least two floorcoverings on at least one floor comprises placing the at least twoelectronic display devices in at least one plane substantially parallelto a part of an elevator.
 24. A floor display system, comprising: aplurality of floor coverings on at least one floor, each floor coveringcomprising at least one electronic display device in a planesubstantially parallel to the at least one floor, wherein eachelectronic display device is configurable to display an electronicallymodifiable verbal message and an electronically modifiable graphicmessage, wherein at least two of the electronic display devices areadapted to be connected to a network; and a computer at a centralcontrol location adapted to electronically communicate with at least twoof the electronic display devices through the network.
 25. The floordisplay system of claim 24, wherein at least two of the electronicdisplay devices are adapted to be connected to different local areanetworks, wherein at least one of the electronic display devices isadapted to be connected to a first local area network and at least oneof the electronic display devices is adapted to be connected to a secondlocal area network, and wherein the computer is further adapted toelectronically communicate to at least one of the electronic displaydevices through the first local area network and to electronicallycommunicate to at least one of the electronic display devices throughthe second local area network.
 26. The floor display system of claim 25,wherein the computer is further adapted to transmit a first data to atleast one of the electronic display devices on the first local areanetwork and a second data to at least one of the electronic displaydevices on the second local area network.
 27. The floor display systemof claim 26, wherein the computer is further adapted to transmit a thirddata to at least one of the electronic display devices on the firstlocal area network.
 28. The floor display system of claim 27, whereinthe computer is further adapted to transmit a fourth data to at leastone of the electronic display devices on the second local area network.29. The floor display system of claim 26, wherein the computer isfurther adapted to transmit a third data to at least one of theelectronic display devices on the second local area network.
 30. Thefloor display system of claim 25, wherein at least one of the electronicdisplay devices on the first local area network is assigned a firstunique identifier code and at least one of the electronic displaydevices on the first local area network is assigned a second uniqueidentifier code.
 31. The floor display system of claim 25, wherein atleast one of the electronic display devices on the first local areanetwork is assigned a first unique identifier code, and wherein at leastone of the electronic display devices on the second local area networkis assigned a second unique identifier code.
 32. The floor displaysystem of claim 24, wherein the floor is a stair step.
 33. The floordisplay system of claim 24, wherein the floor is a raised stage.
 34. Thefloor display system of claim 24, wherein the floor is part of anelevator.
 35. A method for transmitting data to a floor display systemcomprising: placing at least two floor coverings on at least one floor,each floor covering comprising an electronic display device in a planesubstantially parallel to the at least one floor, wherein the electronicdisplay devices are configurable to display an electronically modifiableverbal message and an electronically modifiable graphic message, andwherein at least two of the electronic display devices are adapted to beconnected to a network; and transmitting data through the networkbetween a computer and at least one of the electronic display devices.36. The method of transmitting data to a floor display system of claim35, further comprising displaying a verbal message and a graphic messageon the at least one electronic display device based upon data receivedthrough the network from the computer.
 37. The method of transmittingdata to a floor display system of claim 35, further comprisingdisplaying a first verbal message and a first graphic message on a firstelectronic display device based upon a first data received through thenetwork from the computer and displaying a second verbal message and asecond graphic message on a second electronic display device based upona second data received through the network from the computer.